Essential Guide

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Editor's note

As a source code tool, Git can be used for a multitude of reasons inside the development environment. Any developer should know the Git basics and which commands can be used in each situation. Use this guide to expand your knowledge on Git and to help optimize your code for a cleaner development environment.

1Getting started with Git

Outside of installation, developers should familiarize themselves with the Git basics, such as helpful, everyday commands and some of the associated dos and don'ts. Other tools have their own benefits and drawbacks, but if you decide that Git is the tool for you, here's what you need to know to get started.

2Git and Github

It may sound simple, but any good developer should understand the differences between Git and Github. Explore how the tool (Git) and the platform (Github) are intertwined, develop expertise in their features and learn how to demonstrate your knowledge to potential employers.

3Fix bad mistakes with Git

Mistakes happen, especially in millions of lines of code. But don't fret. One of the Git basics you should know is how to quickly and safely fix a mistake with different Git commands. Revert, reset and cherry-pick are three of the more prominent commands a developer should know right out of the gate. Use these tutorials and videos to learn more.

4Git integration with Jenkins

To achieve your continuous integration goals, you're going to want to know how Git and Jenkins work together. From installation and configuration of the Jenkins plugin, to how to handle web application resource files to securely manage pull requests, there are crucial skills to know.

5Where Git fits in your distributed version control system tool belt

Git provides a powerful tool for developers, but there are right ways and wrong ways to handle files and messages. Learn the proper procedures for Git commit messages to keep problems and confusion to a minimum.